Thai Fried Rice Recipe | Classic and Flavorful

Quick Thai Fried Rice Recipe That’s Better Than Takeout

The first time I tried a Thai Fried Rice Recipe, it was from a street food stall in Bangkok, and I was amazed by the aroma of jasmine rice stir-fried with fish sauce, garlic, and fresh lime. When I first cooked it at home, though, I used regular long-grain rice, and the texture wasn’t the same. That’s when I learned that jasmine rice is the heart of this dish; it gives it that signature fragrance and a slightly sticky bite.

This recipe is for anyone who wants simple, flavorful fried rice that tastes authentic, perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or as a side with Thai curries and stir-fries.

Difficulty: Easy

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Thai

Calories: 330

Ingredients Method Video Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups cooked jasmine rice day-old, cold, and separated into grains
• 2 TBSP vegetable oil
• 2 eggs lightly beaten
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 small onion diced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables peas, carrots, corn, or bell pepper
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp oyster sauce optional, for depth.
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 3 green onions sliced
• Lime wedges for serving
• Salt & pepper to taste

Optional add-ins: shrimp, chicken, or tofu

Method

 

1. Prep rice. Loosen cold, day-old rice with your hands or a fork so the grains are separated.
2. Scramble the eggs. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a wok or skillet, scramble eggs, and then set aside.
3. Cook the aromatics. Add the remaining oil and sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant.
4. Add the veggies. Toss in vegetables, stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add rice. Stir in rice, breaking up any clumps. Fry on high heat until hot.
6. Season. Add fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Stir well.
7. Combine. Return scrambled eggs, add green onions, and toss everything together.
8. Finish. Serve with lime wedges and extra fish sauce on the side.

Video

Notes

Lesson learned: Using non-jasmine rice always loses the fragrance; always use jasmine for authentic flavor.

Rice tip: Day-old rice fries are good; fresh rice clumps.

Garlic: A little extra garlic makes it taste closer to street food style.

Lime: A squeeze of lime at the end brightens the whole dish.

Tips & Tricks

• Authentic flavor: Fish sauce is the key; don’t skip it.
• Extra heat: Add Thai chili flakes or a spoon of chili paste.
• Protein boost: Add shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a heartier version.
• Crispy rice: Let rice sit undisturbed for 1–2 minutes to form golden bits.
• Meal prep: Keeps well in the fridge for 2–3 days.

Serving Suggestions

• Main dish: Enjoy with Thai iced tea for a full meal.
• Side dish: Serve alongside green curry, pad Thai, or grilled satay.
• Casual dinner: Paired with cucumber salad for balance.
• Lunchbox: Great for leftovers and reheats well.
• Party platter: Serve in a big bowl with lime wedges for sharing.

Nutrition (per serving, without protein add-ins)

• Calories: ~330
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 48 g
• Fat: 11 g
• Fiber: 3 g